Rascal and the hot air balloon by Paul Jennings and Bob Lea

Puffin, 2009. ISBN 9780143502425.
(Age 5-7) Any book by Paul Jennings is sure to delight his young readers and Rascal and the hot air balloon is no exception. Rascal is a little dragon who loves to chase things especially things that fly like aeroplanes, helicopters and hot air balloons. Ben thinks it's too dangerous for Rascal to be chasing planes so Dad tells him to tie him up. When a hot air balloon gets into trouble Rascal knows that he has go to its rescue.
Ben Lea's big, bold illustrations are a combination of fantastic dragons and real life cars and planes and amusing details engage the reader. There are such amusing expressions on the faces of Rascals and his companions. The pictures match the text and will give clues to the beginning reader, who will want to go on and pursue other Rascal books.
With its easy, large text and entertaining illustrations this book is a pleasure to read. The humourous twist at the end is an added bonus.
Pat Pledger